A perfect description of the blessings of blogging friendships. Perhaps distance makes it easier to be real, to risk, to affirm. Whatever the reason is, the bloggers I follow relate to others more freely and on a much deeper level. I have had several friendships like this in “real” life, but at my age, many have disappeared into the clouds of senility or passed on to a better place. Though I’ve come to treasure solitude, relating on a deeper level with blogging friends means, even if I become housebound or bedridden, I never have to be lonely. What a blessing for us old guys.

My five year old son has tons of friends. Part of the reason why he is so blessed is because he calls anyone he likes, plays with, talks to, or looks at his friend.

“My friend is digging a hole to bury Darth Vader in,” Jett mentions as we leave the park.

“Which friend is that? What is his name?”

“I don’t know his name. He is just my friend.” Looking at me like I don’t know what friend means.

The look might be justified. Maybe as we grow older we forget what a friend is. I can’t tell you how many people have questioned me about my friendships. I am/used to be friends with some pretty famous people. Other “friends” would always say things like, “you’re not really friends with so-and-so. Just because you met someone does not mean that they are your friend.” I would counter, “Well, I’m…